Extra investment is needed for technology and environmentally-friendly industries, the prime minister has announced.

Investors are necessary for the future of the economy as high-tech solutions are becoming more integral to the socio-economic fabric of the world, with Gordon Brown adding that they are required to get through the economic downturn.

The comments from the prime minister followed talks with Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France.

"Many years ago, investment in road and rail and infrastructure was a powerful stimulus to the economies then, so too in this new age we can invest in the digital infrastructure for the future," Mr Brown told delegates at the European meeting.

Green technology was also noted for its investment needs, which could help the construction of an infrastructure for the UK in the modern age.

A recent survey from moneysupermarket.com found that over half of Britons are confused by technology, with 64 per cent of people over the age of 55 not understanding technical terms.